Tanzanite and Afghanite Physical Properties
Tenacity
Not Available
Not Available
Solubility
Not Available
Not Available
Durability
Hard
Not Available
Specific Gravity
3.35
2.55-2.65
Fracture
Uneven, Conchoidal, UnevenWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Conchoidal, ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009), Conchoidal, Brittle, Conchoidal, Brittle
Cleavage
Perfect {010}, imperfect {100}
Perfect {10 1 0}
Mohs Hardness
6.5-7
5.5-6
Chemical Composition
Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH)
(Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Tanzanite and Afghanite Chemical Formula
While comparing Tanzanite and Afghanite physical properties, the important data you should know is its chemical composition. Since chemical formula defines the molecular structure of the crystal, most of the physical properties like color, tenacity, solubility are governed by Tanzanite and Afghanite chemical formula.
- Chemical formula of Tanzanite- Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH)
- Chemical formula of Afghanite- (Na,Ca,K) 8(Si,Al) 12O 24(SO 4,Cl,CO 3) 3(H 2O)Arthur Thomas , Gemstones (2009)
Tanzanite and Afghanite Specific Gravity
Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Tanzanite and Afghanite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Tanzanite and Afghanite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Tanzanite is 2.55-2.65 whereas that of Afghanite is 2.55-2.65.